Elephants Are Not the Most Abundant Species in African Grasslands

Elephants are not the most abundant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but these woody plants remain relatively uncommon because of the uprooting activities of the elephants. If elephants were removed, the grasslands eventually are converted to forests or to shrublands. These newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous, more biodiverse grasslands. Which of the following statements best supports the elephants' role as a keystone species in this scenario?

A) Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance.
B) Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland.
C) Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community.
D) Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators.